Live Event: Experimenting

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Capital Storytelling and Story Collider present “Experimenting!” a live storytelling event! With emcee, Dr. Kevin McLean– the multimedia managing producer for Science Magazine!

Join us on April 14th at 7 PM at Verge Center for the Arts for an evening of true personal stories about science told live on stage.

Storytellers for the evening include Xavier Bettencourt, Tammy Spence, Barb Todd, Leslie Allen, and Alejandro Merchan.

Tickets are $18. You can buy online or at the door (but we recommend pre-purchasing online to ensure your seat in the limited space venue). 

ASL interpretation will be provided. Please contact lisa@capitalstorytelling.com as soon as possible if you plan to attend and need interpretation so that we can arrange to make the event as accessible as possible to you.

**Masks are highly encouraged for this event and will be available at the door.

This event is sponsored by Capital Public Radio.

Storytellers

Tamara Spence

Tamara “Tammy” Spence is a neuroscientist and professional worrywart, earning a PhD in worry – for real. She would do almost anything in the name of science and education – including authorizing an entire class of medical students to observe an invasive procedure on herself that she could not bear to witness. Known as the “Brain Lady” for bringing buckets of preserved human brains to elementary schools as part of a Brain Awareness Campaign, she loves illuminating minds…one brain at a time. A proud aunt, she relishes the fact that her nephew considers Mr. Axon – his plush neuron – to be worthy of show and tell at his preschool

Alejandro Merchan

Alejandro is an entomologist that hails from Colombia and lives in Sacramento since 2019, working for the state government. He came to the US in 2007 to pursue a PhD at NC State University, and after many twists and turns, graduated in 2016. Alejandro likes to spend time with his cats, Gabby and Haruki, enjoys traveling and making crossword puzzles.

Barb Todd

Barb is an RN, BSN who works in Patient Safety and Quality at a large hospital in Roseville, CA. Barb was born, raised and attended nursing school in Canada before being recruited by a California hospital over 30 years ago! That single decision to move launched her on an adventure that included marriage, children, new cities and new opportunities. One of those opportunities came through a chance encounter with Capital Storytelling. After attending a live event, Barb was hooked! She attended classes and ultimately participated in the Capital Storytelling Ambassador program. Through the support of her fellow ambassadors, Barb has loved bringing the amazing power of true, personal storytelling to her healthcare colleagues!

Leslie Allen

An avid wilderness enthusiast, Leslie earned degrees in Zoology and English from UC Davis and travelled the world as a wildlife researcher. Three kids later, she settled in Northern California, and her career shifted to "llama trekker," allowing the whole family to continue wilderness adventuring. After years of working in the wilderness, Leslie entered the urban jungle to become a science teacher, sharing her love of the natural world with future generations. Now retired, she continues to celebrate nature through non-profit conservation work and art.

Xavier Bettencourt

For over two decades Xavier Bettencourt has been bringing laughter to the Sacramento and Bay Areas. An improviser, comedian, drag artist, storyteller and fashionista, Xavier’s true passions are bringing joy and love to others, and building and growing the queer performance spaces that are truly needed today.